Hello all

[Wesjames]

Thanks for sharing your project. Your truck looks fantastic already. The new gauges are very retro but have a nicely updated look to them. I can see you are completing every detail. Even the dresser looks great. Not sure where that's going to fit in... or is it holding all the $$ to do such a thorough resto/mod on the pick-up? Ya..kidding

Again; fantastic work and please keep us in the loop as you finish the assembly as your vintage truck will be quite popular with some members here.
The C7 you buy will not be remotely so much work if you're planning on getting a pre-owned one..... Or will it be?
Considering your skills; curious as to what you're planning... Buying new, slightly used or full on tear down and rebuild?

Derek

Thanks Derek I will definitely post more pics as I get closer to completion most of the other parts are painted now so I’m hoping to start final assembly in about a month or so. As far as the Vette I’m after I’m pretty sure I will be buying a low km used car just not exactly sure on options I consider a must have and ones I can do without and I plan to keep it fairly stock with maybe a few cosmetic modifications.

 

[Wesjames]

And as far as getting my money out of the truck project there is exactly 0% chance of that happening and I have no intention on ever selling it. It was actually started to keep me distracted from politics which was consuming way too much of my time

 

[ddgermann]

Thanks Derek I will definitely post more pics as I get closer to completion most of the other parts are painted now so I’m hoping to start final assembly in about a month or so. As far as the Vette I’m after I’m pretty sure I will be buying a low km used car just not exactly sure on options I consider a must have and ones I can do without and I plan to keep it fairly stock with maybe a few cosmetic modifications.

Yes understood; the truck build is not about money. It's a very impressive build and the amount of pride and workmanship going into it is clear even in pictures.

To be sure the best bang for your buck is a slightly used C7. I bought both a C6 and C7 Z06 this way. less than 5000 km on each of them with part of the full warranty left. Saved a bundle this way. The only thing I can offer advice on is to do your research, test drive a few cars and be sure you're getting what you want the first time. I didn't fully understand the creature comforts and once seeing them ended up buying 3 corvettes in an 18 month period. The last one being new and brought all the way across the country as it has pretty much all available options in the colors I wanted. Except for some stickers and the Comp seats which I didn't want anyway. This method I used will more than eat up any "savings" pretty quick.
That's the beauty of ordering a new Corvette. You get exactly everything you want in the colors you prefer. There is a price to pay for that though. Unfortunately buying used or an off the lot new car will rarely give you everything you want without really knowing what's available in each configuration of the car. With the money involved in buying a loaded up Corvette you really have to know what you want and will accept not having. I sure hope you do better research than me and find the perfect one the first time.

 

[Wesjames]

Thanks Derek I will definitely post more pics as I get closer to completion most of the other parts are painted now so I’m hoping to start final assembly in about a month or so. As far as the Vette I’m after I’m pretty sure I will be buying a low km used car just not exactly sure on options I consider a must have and ones I can do without and I plan to keep it fairly stock with maybe a few cosmetic modifications.

Yes understood; the truck build is not about money. It's a very impressive build and the amount of pride and workmanship going into it is clear even in pictures.

To be sure the best bang for your buck is a slightly used C7. I bought both a C6 and C7 Z06 this way. less than 5000 km on each of them with part of the full warranty left. Saved a bundle this way. The only thing I can offer advice on is to do your research, test drive a few cars and be sure you're getting what you want the first time. I didn't fully understand the creature comforts and once seeing them ended up buying 3 corvettes in an 18 month period. The last one being new and brought all the way across the country as it has pretty much all available options in the colors I wanted. Except for some stickers and the Comp seats which I didn't want anyway. This method I used will more than eat up any "savings" pretty quick.
That's the beauty of ordering a new Corvette. You get exactly everything you want in the colors you prefer. There is a price to pay for that though. Unfortunately buying used or an off the lot new car will rarely give you everything you want without really knowing what's available in each configuration of the car. With the money involved in buying a loaded up Corvette you really have to know what you want and will accept not having. I sure hope you do better research than me and find the perfect one the first time.

I’m thinking I want a fairy loaded up z06 or a grand sport at the least I’m a bit flexible on options and I’m in no rush but if the right one comes available I will have to make a decision

 

[ddgermann]

I’m thinking I want a fairy loaded up z06 or a grand sport at the least I’m a bit flexible on options and I’m in no rush but if the right one comes available I will have to make a decision

Understood. You really can’t go wrong with a 2017 or later loaded up Z06.
Just drive a few and check out the feeling of both transmissions as they are both great for what they are.
Options... for me I want everything possible. Just don’t fall in love too quickly and shortchange yourself like I did (twice... possibly 3 times)
One thing for sure... buying a corvette is fun and exciting.
Enjoy

 

[Wesjames]

I’m thinking I want a fairy loaded up z06 or a grand sport at the least I’m a bit flexible on options and I’m in no rush but if the right one comes available I will have to make a decision

Understood. You really can’t go wrong with a 2017 or later loaded up Z06.
Just drive a few and check out the feeling of both transmissions as they are both great for what they are.
Options... for me I want everything possible. Just don’t fall in love too quickly and shortchange yourself like I did (twice... possibly 3 times)
One thing for sure... buying a corvette is fun and exciting.
Enjoy

We’re there any issues with the z06 before 2017 I have heard of heating issues on 14-15s but assumed that was likely in the hotter climates and wouldn’t likely be a big issue here in Alberta

 

[ddgermann]

There definitely were Z06 heating issues for track users in 15 and 16. I had a 15 but didn’t track it so was fine. There are upgrade kits but the cost is prohibitive. Also a few lawsuits are in the courts against GM for this issue as GM did nothing to resolve this for the customer.
As an interesting side note; I did hear about one fellow from BC who tracks his corvettes eagerly, made such a stink with GM over this issue they took his car back and built him a ZR1 last summer. He apparently only paid the difference from new to new price. I saw the car in the dealership that had the ZR1 to predeliver. According to the dealership they had nothing to do with the deal and were only handling the exchange of the cars
So yes... the 17 has improved heat removal capacity. The easiest way to tell is intercooler cover is much bigger on the 17 and up.
Also... there was no Z06 in 14.

 

[Wesjames]

There definitely were Z06 heating issues for track users in 15 and 16. I had a 15 but didn’t track it so was fine. There are upgrade kits but the cost is prohibitive. Also a few lawsuits are in the courts against GM for this issue as GM did nothing to resolve this for the customer.
As an interesting side note; I did hear about one fellow from BC who tracks his corvettes eagerly, made such a stink with GM over this issue they took his car back and built him a ZR1 last summer. He apparently only paid the difference from new to new price. I saw the car in the dealership that had the ZR1 to predeliver. According to the dealership they had nothing to do with the deal and were only handling the exchange of the cars
So yes... the 17 has improved heat removal capacity. The easiest way to tell is intercooler cover is much bigger on the 17 and up.
Also... there was no Z06 in 14.

Ok good to know I certainly don’t plan on doing much if any tracking once I get one so wouldn’t likely be an issue for me either. I plan on taking my time to get the car I want but will almost certainly be a used car so I have to be a bit flexible on options and timing

 

[Rruuff Day]

We’re there any issues with the z06 before 2017 I have heard of heating issues on 14-15s but assumed that was likely in the hotter climates and wouldn’t likely be a big issue here in Alberta

Try and hold out for a 2016 or later to at least get the bonus of front curb cameras and the motorized hatch closing latch... my 2 cents worth....

 

[ddgermann]

Try and hold out for a 2016 or later to at least get the bonus of front curb cameras and the motorized hatch closing latch... my 2 cents worth....

Yes a very good point Eric. These cameras are awesome

 

[Wesjames]

We’re there any issues with the z06 before 2017 I have heard of heating issues on 14-15s but assumed that was likely in the hotter climates and wouldn’t likely be a big issue here in Alberta

Try and hold out for a 2016 or later to at least get the bonus of front curb cameras and the motorized hatch closing latch... my 2 cents worth....

Ok that sounds like excellent advice your guys opinions are exactly the reason I joined now before I make my purchase